Toxic Chemcial Ingredient Directory

How safe are the ingredients used in your current brand of skin care products? How certain
are you that they do not contain chemicals that could be harmful to you and/or your children?

If you are not sure, use this toxic ingredient directory below and find out for yourself. This
information has been sourced from Material Safety Data Sheets (or MSDS), which is
recognised as the international standard for providing safety information about chemical
ingredients used by humans.

1,4-dioxane
2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol (Bronopol)
Alcohol, Isopropyl (SD-40)
Ammonium Laureth Sulfate (ALES)
Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate (ALS)
Anionic Surfactants
Benzalkonium Chloride
Butylated Hudroxyanisole (BHA)
Butylated Hydroxytoluene (BHT)
Cationic surfactants
Cetalkonium chloride
Cetrimonium chloride
Chloromethylisothiazolinone
Isothiazolinone
Cocoamidopropyl Betaine
Cocoyl Sarcosine
Cyclomethicone
DEA (diethanolamine), MEA (Monoethanolamine), & TEA (triethanolamine)
Diazolidinyl urea
Dimethicone
Dimethicone Copolyol
Disodium Dioctyl Sulfosuccinate
Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate
Disodium Oleamide Sulfosuccinate
DMDM Hydantoin
Ethoxylated surfactants
FD&C Colour Pigments
Formaldehyde
Fragrance
Hydrolysed Animal Protein
Imidazolidinyl urea
Lanolin
Lauryl dimonium hydrolysed collagen
Lauryl or Cocoyl Sarcosine
Lauryl Sarcosine
Liquidum Paraffinum
MEA compounds
Methylisothiazolinone and Methylchloroisothiazolinone
Mineral Oil
Nitrosating Agents
Paraben preservatives (methyl, propyl, butyl, and ethyl)
Paraffin wax/oil
Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) compounds
Potassium Coco Hydrolysed Collagen
Propylene/Butylene Glycol
PVP/VA Copolymer
Quaternium-7, 15, 31, 60, etc
Rancid Natural Emollients
Silicone derived emollients
Sodium Cocoyl Sarcosinate
Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) Ammonium Laureth Sulfate (ALES)
Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate (ALS)
Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate
Stearalkonium Chloride
Talc
TEA (Triethanolamine) Laureth Sulfate
TEA compounds
Toluene

A carcinogenic contaminant of cosmetic products. Almost 50% of
cosmetics containing ethoxylated surfactants were found to contain
dioxane. See Ethoxylated surfactants

From Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS):
1,4-DIOXANE MAY EXERT ITS EFFECTS THROUGH INHALATION,
SKIN ABSORPTION, AND INGESTION.
1,4-DIOXANE IS LISTED AS A CARCINOGEN.

EFFECTS OF OVEREXPOSURE: 1,4-DIOXANE IS AN EYE AND
MUCOUS MEMBRANE IRRITANT, PRIMARY SKIN IRRITANT,
CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM DEPRESSANT, NEPHROTOXIN,
AND HEPATOTOXIN.

ACUTE EXPOSURE CAUSES IRRITATION, HEADACHE,
DIZZINESS, AND NARCOSIS. CHRONIC INHALATION EXPOSURE
CAN PRODUCE DAMAGE TO THE LIVER AND KIDNEYS, AND
BLOOD DISORDERS.

MEDICAL CONDITION AGGRAVATED BY EXPOSURE PRECLUDE
FROM EXPOSURE THOSE INDIVIDUALS WITH DISEASE OF THE
BLOOD, LIVER KIDNEYS, CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM, AND
THOSE SUSCEPTIBLE TO DERMATITIS.

Anionic refers to the negative charge these surfactants have. They
may be contaminated with nitrosamines, which are carcinogenic.
Surfactants can pose serious health threats. They are used in car
washes, as garage floor cleaners and engine degreasers - and in
90% of personal-care products that foam.

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)
Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES)
Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate (ALS)
Ammonium Laureth Sulfate (ALES)
Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate
Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate
Sodium Cocoyl Sarcosinate
Potassium Coco Hydrolysed Collagen
TEA (Triethanolamine) Lauryl Sulfate
TEA (Triethanolamine) Laureth Sulfate
Lauryl or Cocoyl Sarcosine
Disodium Oleamide Sulfosuccinate
Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate
Disodium Dioctyl Sulfosuccinate etc

Highly toxic, primary skin irritant.
See Cationic surfactants

From Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS):
MATERIAL IS HIGHLY TOXIC VIA ORAL ROUTE.

EFFECTS OF OVEREXPOSURE: MISTS CAN CAUSE IRRITATION
TO THE SKIN, EYES, NOSE, THROAT AND MUCOUS
MEMBRANES. AVOID DIRECT CONTACT. SYMPTOMS:
MUSCULAR PARALYSIS, LOW BLOOD PRESSURE, CNS
DEPRESSION AND WEAKNESS.

EMERGENCY AND FIRST AID PROCEDURES

EYES: CORROSIVE! IMMEDIATELY WASH EYES WITH PLENTY OF
WATER.

INHALATION: REMOVE PERSON TO FRESH AIR. GIVE OXYGEN
(IF BREATHING IS DIFFICULT). CALL PHYSICIAN.

INGESTION: IF CONSCIOUS, IMMEDIATELY DRINK LARGE
QUANTITIES OF FLUID TO DILUTE AND INDUCE VOMITING.
CALL PHYSICIAN.

These chemicals have a positive electrical charge. They contain a
quaternary ammonium group and are often called "quats". These
are used in hair conditioners, but originated from the paper and
fabric industries as softeners and anti-static agents. In the long run
they cause the hair to become dry and brittle. They are synthetic,
irritating, allergenic and toxic, and oral intake of them can be lethal.

Stearalkonium chloride
Benzalkonium chloride
Cetrimonium chloride
Cetalkonium chloride
Lauryl dimonium hydrolysed collagen

Causes contact dermatitis

From Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS):
EYE CONTACT: CORROSIVE TO THE EYES WITH POSSIBLE
PERMANENT DAMAGE.

SKIN CONTACT: CORROSIVE TO THE SKIN, POSSIBLY
RESULTING IN THIRD DEGREE BURNS. CAN BE HARMFUL IF
ABSORBED. CAN CAUSE ALLERGIC CONTACT DERMATITIS IN
SUSCEPTIBLE INDIVIDUALS.

INGESTION: CAN BE FATAL.

INHALATION: CAN BE CORROSIVE TO THE MUCOUS
MEMBRANES AND THE LUNGS. CAN CAUSE AN ALLERGIC
REACTION IN SUSCEPTIBLE INDIVIDUALS

Often used in cosmetics to adjust the pH, and used with many fatty
acids to convert acid to salt (stearate), which then becomes the
base for a cleanser. TEA causes allergic reactions including eye
problems, dryness of hair and skin, and could be toxic if absorbed
into the body over a long period of time.

These chemicals are already restricted in Europe due to known
carcinogenic effects. Dr. Samuel Epstein (Professor of
Environmental Health at the University of Illinois) says that
repeated skin applications . . . of DEA-based detergents resulted in
a major increase in the incidence of liver and kidney cancer.

See Nitrosating agents

From Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS):
Health Hazard Acute And Chronic: Product is severely irritating to
body tissues and possibly corrosive to the eyes.

Explanation Carcinogenicity: Amines react with nitrosating agents
to form nitrosamines, which are carcinogenic.

Established as a primary cause of contact dermatitis (American
Academy of Dermatology). Contains formaldehyde, a carcinogenic
chemical, is toxic by inhalation, a strong irritant, and causes
contact dermatitis.

See Formaldehyde

From Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS):
CAUSES SEVERE EYE IRRITATION. MAY CAUSE SKIN
IRRITATION. SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF EXPOSURE

SYMPTOMS OF INHALATION: IF MISTED, WILL CAUSE
IRRITATION OF MUCOUS MEMBRANES, NOSE, EYES AND
THROAT. COUGHING, DIFFICULTY IN BREATHING.

SYMPTOMS OF SKIN CONTACT: CONTACT CAUSES SMARTING
AND BURNING SENSATIONS, INFLAMMATION, BURNS, PAINFUL
BLISTERS. PROFOUND DAMAGE TO TISSUE.

SYMPTOMS OF EYE CONTACT: WILL CAUSE PAINFUL BURNING
OR STINGING OF EYES AND LIDS, WATERING OF EYES, AND
INFLAMMATION OF CONJUNCTIVA.

Ethoxylated surfactants are widely used in cosmetics as foaming
agents, emulsifiers and humectants. As part of the manufacturing
process the toxic chemical 1,4-dioxane, a potent carcinogen, is
generated.

On the label, they are identified by the prefix "PEG", "polyethylene",
"polyethylene glycol", "polyoxyethylene", "-eth-", or "-oxynol-".

See 1,4-Dioxane

Fragrance on a label can indicate the presence of up to four
thousand separate ingredients, many toxic or carcinogenic.
Symptoms reported to the USA FDA include headaches, dizziness,
allergic rashes, skin discoloration, violent coughing and vomiting,
and skin irritation. Clinical observation proves fragrances can affect
the central nervous system, causing depression, hyperactivity, and
irritability.

Petroleum by-product that coats the skin like plastic, clogging the
pores. Interferes with skin's ability to eliminate toxins, promoting
acne and other disorders. Slows down skin function and cell
development, resulting in premature aging. Used in many products
(baby oil is 100% mineral oil!) Any mineral oil derivative can be
contaminated with cancer causing PAH's (Polycyclic Aromatic
Hydrocarbons). Manufacturers use petrolatum because it is
unbelievably cheap.

Mineral oil
Liquidum paraffinum (also known as posh mineral oil!)
Paraffin oil
Paraffin wax
Petrolatum

The following chemicals can cause nitrosamine contamination,
which have been determined to form cancer in laboratory animals.
There are wide and repeated concerns in the USA and Europe
about the contamination of cosmetics products with nitrosamines.

2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol
Cocoyl Sarcosine
DEA compounds
Imidazolidinyl Urea
Formaldehyde
Hydrolysed Animal Protein
Lauryl Sarcosine
MEA compounds
Quaternium-7, 15, 31, 60, etc
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate
Sodium Laureth Sulfate
Ammonium Laureth Sulfate
Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate
TEA compounds

Used as inhibitors of microbial growth and to extend shelf life of
products. Widely used even though they are known to be toxic.
Have caused many allergic reactions and skin rashes. Highly toxic.

From Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS):
EMERGENCY overview:
WARNING! HARMFUL IF SWALLOWED OR INHALED. CAUSES
IRRITATION TO SKIN, EYES AND RESPIRATORY TRACT. MAY
CAUSE ALLERGIC SKIN REACTION.

SKIN CONTACT: CAUSES IRRITATION TO SKIN. SYMPTOMS
INCLUDE REDNESS, ITCHING, AND PAIN. MAY CAUSE
ALLERGIC SKIN REACTIONS.

EYE CONTACT: CAUSES IRRITATION, REDNESS, AND PAIN.

Potentially carcinogenic petroleum ingredient that can alter and
reduce the skin's natural moisture factor. This could increase the
appearance of aging and leave you more vulnerable to bacteria.
Used in cleansers to dissolve oil and grease. It adjusts the
melting point and thickens products. Also used in caustic
spray-on oven cleaners. See Ethoxylated surfactants

Propylene glycol (PG) is a petroleum derivative. It penetrates the
skin and can weaken protein and cellular structure. Commonly
used to make extracts from herbs. PG is strong enough to remove
barnacles from boats! The EPA considers PG so toxic that it
requires workers to wear protective gloves, clothing and goggles
and to dispose of any PG solutions by burying them in the ground.
Because PG penetrates the skin so quickly, the EPA warns against
skin contact to prevent consequences such as brain, liver, and
kidney abnormalities. But there isn't even a warning label on
products such as stick deodorants, where the concentration is
greater than in most industrial applications.

From Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS):
Health Hazard Acute And Chronic

INHALATION: May cause respiratory and throat Irritation, central
nervous system depression, blood and kidney disorders. May
cause Nystagmus, Lymphocytosis.

SKIN: Irritation and dermatitis, absorption.

EYES: Irritation and conjunctivitis.

INGESTION: Pulmonary oedema, brain damage, hypoglycaemia,
intravascular hemolysis. Death may occur.

Toxic, causes skin rashes and allergic reactions.

See Nitrosating agents

From Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS):
SKIN: PROLONGED OR repEATED EXPOSURE MAY CAUSE SKIN
IRRITATION. MAY CAUSE MORE SEVERE RESPONSE IF SKIN IS
DAMP.

MAY BE A WEAK SKIN SENSITIZER IN SUSCEPTIBLE
INDIVIDUALS AT GREATER THAN 1% IN AQUEOUS SOLUTION.

Natural oils used in cosmetics should be cold pressed. The
refined vegetable oils found on supermarket shelves and many
health food stores which lack colour, odour and taste are devoid of
nutrients, essential fatty acids, vitamins and unsaponifiables - all
valuable skin conditioning agents! They also contain poisonous
"trans" fatty acids as a result of the refining process.

Another important factor to consider with creams made from plant
oil is the use-by date. The most beneficial plant oils (like rosehip,
borage and evening primrose oils) are polyunsaturated, which
means they oxidise and go rancid fairly quickly (about 6 months).
Most off-the-shelf cosmetics have a shelf life of three years. Rancid
oils are harmful, they form free-radicals, which damage and age
your skin.

Silicone emollients are occlusive - that is they coat the skin,
trapping anything beneath it, and do not allow the skin to breathe
(much like plastic wrap would do.)

Recent studies have indicated that prolonged exposure of the skin
to sweat, by occlusion, causes skin irritation. Some synthetic
emollients are known tumour promoters and accumulate in the
liver and lymph nodes. They are also non-biodegradable, causing
negative environmental impact.

Dimethicone
Dimethicone Copolyol
Cyclomethicone

When combined with other chemicals, SLES and ALES can create
nitrosamines, a potent class of carcinogens. It is frequently
disguised in semi-natural cosmetics with the explanation "comes
from coconut".

See Anionic Surfactants
See Ethoxylated surfactants
See Nitrosating agents

From Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS):
WARNING! CAUSES SKIN AND EYE IRRITATION! AVOID
CONTACT WITH EYES, SKIN AND CLOTHING. THE MATERIAL
WAS CLASSIFIED AS A MODERATE TO SEVERE EYE IRRITANT.

Used in car washes, garage floor cleaners and engine degreasers
- and in 90% of products that foam.

Animals exposed to SLS and ALS experience eye damage, central
nervous system depression, laboured breathing, diarrhoea, severe
skin irritation, and even death.

Young eyes may not develop properly if exposed to SLS and ALS
because proteins are dissolved. SLS and ALS may also damage
the skin's immune system by causing layers to separate and
inflame. It is frequently disguised in semi-natural cosmetics with
the explanation "comes from coconut".

See Nitrosating agents
See Anionic Surfactants

From Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS):
EYE CONTACT:

INSTILLATION OF A 29% SODIUM LAURYL SULFATE SOLUTION
INTO THE EYES OF SIX ALBINO RABBITS PRODUCED SEVERE
IRRITATION. THE MATERIAL WAS CLASSIFIED AS A SEVERE SKIN
IRRITANT.

A chemical used in hair conditioners and creams. Causes
allergic reactions. Stearalkonium chloride was developed by the
fabric industry as a fabric softener, and is a lot cheaper and
easier to use in hair conditioning formulas than proteins or
herbals, which do help hair health. Toxic.

See Cationic surfactants

Synthetic emulsifier. Highly acidic. Over 40% of cosmetics
containing Triethanolamine (TEA), have been found to be
contaminated with nitrosamines, which are potent carcinogens.

From Material Safety Data Sheet
Special Hazard Precautions: PRODUCT IS SEVERELY
IRRITATING TO BODY TISSUES AND POSSIBLY CORROSIVE TO
THE EYES. HANDLE WITH CARE. AVOID EYE & SKIN CONTACT.
AVOID BREATHING VAPORS IF GENERATED. IF THERE IS
DANGER OF EYE CONTACT, WEAR A FACE SHIELD.

Explanation Carcinogenicity: AMINES REACT WITH NITROSATING
AGENTS TO FORM NITROSOAMINES, WHICH ARE
CARCINOGENIC.

See Anionic Surfactants
See Nitrosating agents

From Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS):
POISON! DANGER! HARMFUL OR FATAL IF SWALLOWED.
HARMFUL IF INHALED OR ABSORBED THROUGH SKIN.

VAPOR HARMFUL. FLAMMABLE LIQUID AND VAPOR. MAY
AFFECT LIVER, KIDNEYS, BLOOD SYSTEM, OR CENTRAL
NERVOUS SYSTEM. CAUSES IRRITATION TO SKIN, EYES AND
RESPIRATORY TRACT.

INHALATION: INHALATION MAY CAUSE IRRITATION OF THE
UPPER RESPIRATORY TRACT. SYMPTOMS OF OVEREXPOSURE
MAY INCLUDE FATIGUE, CONFUSION, HEADACHE, DIZZINESS
AND DROWSINESS. PECULIAR SKIN SENSATIONS (E. G. PINS
AND NEEDLES) OR NUMBNESS MAY BE PRODUCED. VERY
HIGH CONCENTRATIONS MAY CAUSE UNCONSCIOUSNESS
AND DEATH.

INGESTION: SWALLOWING MAY CAUSE ABDOMINAL SPASMS
AND OTHER SYMPTOMS THAT PARALLEL OVER-EXPOSURE
FROM INHALATION. ASPIRATION OF MATERIAL INTO THE LUNGS
CAN CAUSE CHEMICAL PNEUMONITIS, WHICH MAY BE FATAL.
SKIN CONTACT: CAUSES IRRITATION. MAY BE ABSORBED
THROUGH SKIN.

EYE CONTACT: CAUSES SEVERE EYE IRRITATION WITH
REDNESS AND PAIN. CHRONIC EXPOSURE: repORTS OF
CHRONIC POISONING DESCRIBE ANEMIA, DECREASED BLOOD
CELL COUNT AND BONE MARROW HYPOPLASIA. LIVER AND
KIDNEY DAMAGE MAY OCCUR. repEATED OR PROLONGED
CONTACT HAS A DEFATTING ACTION, CAUSING DRYING,
REDNESS, AND DERMATITIS.

EXPOSURE TO TOLUENE MAY AFFECT THE DEVELOPING
FETUS.